Ground broken for final phase of Salisbury Skatepark

Posted 10/3/22

The third and final phase of the popular Salisbury Skatepark will soon be under construction, and city leaders last week paid tribute to the woman who made it happen step by step since its inception …

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Ground broken for final phase of Salisbury Skatepark

Posted

The third and final phase of the popular Salisbury Skatepark will soon be under construction, and city leaders last week paid tribute to the woman who made it happen step by step since its inception in 2007.

Debbie Stam, the city’s former Grants Manager, acquired several grants totaling more than $650,000 that was combined with sizable donations from the Skatepark Committee, the local community and Stam herself.

“Some folks go above and beyond, and Debbie Stam is one of those people,” said Mayor Jake Day during a groundbreaking for the next phase of the Skatepark.

Stam, who retired earlier this year, shepherded numerous major projects through the grants process, acquiring more than $10 million for projects over her 31 years with the city, the mayor said.

“But her biggest achievement I think is right here around us,” Day said.

Stam was honored with a plaque fixed in stone near the Skatepark’s entrance “for her endless support and belief in the Salisbury skating community.”

Day also presented her with a certificate of recognition in front of an audience of skaters, parents and former and current city staff.

“We started this process all the way back in 2007! I’m so honored, and it’s a dream come true to see the final phase of construction getting underway. It has been a long time coming,” said Stam, who spoke at the event.

The Salisbury skate community showed up in full force to support the cause, including Bobby Schaller, who has been an incremental part of development of the skatepark.

“When people think of our community, skaters, there’s probably a perception that we’re not very smart – and maybe we’re not,” said Schaller. “But Debbie saw that we’re intelligent and knowledgeable about this thing we care so much about–that we’re so passionate about–and she listened.”

Following Stam’s acknowledgement, ground was officially broken on the final stage, Phase 2-B, of the skatepark.

Built and designed by Artisan Skateparks and Pillar Design Studios, the Salisbury Skatepark was laid out in three phases–1, 2, and 2B. The first phase opened in 2015. Funding for Phase 2-B was approved in late 2021, and construction will get underway as soon as this month.

“A skatepark has to have a good flow to it–it has to be enjoyable for the people who use it regularly,” said Mayor Jacob Day. “That means multiple design proposals, adjustments, second and third drafts… It’s not enough to have a park to skate, if that park isn’t FUN.”

The Skatepark is located on North Park Drive in Salisbury City Park. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to dusk – weather and conditions permitting.

All individuals who wish to use the Salisbury Skatepark must be registered with the City of Salisbury – Department of Field Operations. Skaters 18 years of age and older must complete and sign a waiver and release form and obtain a Salisbury Skatepark registration sticker. This sticker must be displayed prominently on a skating helmet (helmets are mandatory) in order to enter and skate in the park.

All skaters under the age of 18 must have the waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

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